Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Dirty Business

(Art by KatLou)

The meeting place was quiet and secluded. It was the time of day where the sun was still up but beautiful colors were rolling across the sky. 

Aesmond leaned over the black railing. It was technically beneath the bridge on the main campus, a little walkway most people didn't know about. He was aware of the figures approaching quietly, one large one small, both wearing veiled expressions. But so was he.

Light eyes glanced up, his lips spreading into a polite smile as he straightened, a file tucked safely under his arm.

"Saalah Inferno, Bai Yusheng, thank you for allowing me some of your time. I hope I didn't keep you away from any important business. I would like to keep this brief and courteous." 

Aesmond gave a lazy tilt of his head. "You're aware of my name, and I would assume a bit of my history. But that's not who I am anymore or...to say I don't like to become him if I don't have to. I was raised for a purpose but I like to think I'm a normal man now."

Aesmond gave a heady sigh, "but the man who has made my life possible, I am indebted to him and his wants. Currently he wishes for Sega to take his rightful mantle at Dawnbringer-Sha. As he will graduate soon, it makes sense for him to do so as the heir of the name Sha. It would be nice if he had a push from the people he cares about. Of course if I have to intervene, it would progress in a shove and then things might get knocked over in the process."

Aesmond held out the folder. "In here is the paperwork needing your signature, Bai Yusheng, signing me in as a insignificant member of the Council. I won't cause trouble if I'm not made to. Of course," Aesmond's smile broadened, "if you still find me disagreeable, then at the back of the folder is a report. Let's just say this is neither the icing nor the cake, and I would hate to have to make things crumble around Sega to shake his foundation...and I can shake him well... He is a pillar of greatness and I'll do anything to make sure he shines."

Bai Yusheng held their head high as they accepted the folder, passing it back to Saalah. "Surely you will not mind if we take this home and review it? To say you are a normal man is to disregard the reactions I have witnessed from Sega. You may have shaken him once, and I have no doubts you can definitely cause significant trouble, but he is not alone." 

"As I have said, if Sega willingly goes back to Dawnbringer-Sha then there will be no further issues. I cannot promise the same if he tries to stay," Aesmond gave a quick smile that made Bai Yusheng feel like slime slid under their skin. Saalah's warm hand on their back was an anchor. 

"Sega has the right to choose his school. Inferno-Cloud has just as immaculate of a reputation in academics, sports and extracurriculars as Dawnbringer-Sha." Bai Yusheng stated firmly, looking every inch the diplomat and trained mediator they had studied to be. 

"Not only that, but Sega has successfully made business connections and has grown his own list of contacts significantly since moving. To say this is an asset to the Sha family and their peoples is an understatement. You intend to try to bring him home. We intend to prove to Lord Leiodus that his son is benefiting him the most here."

"Adding to that," Saalah spoke up, meeting the man's cold, disinterested gaze with his own, "You are not the one to make demands here. We do not bend to your whim. We will review these documents and if Yusheng decides to not allow you on the council you will drop it. Sega will also be informed. We do not keep secrets." 

"For such a trivial relationship, you seem awfully invested in Sega. Very well. I will await your call, but know that I will have to resort to my less preferred methods if you choose to not allow me on."